Green. It conjures images of a meadow in spring for some, and the color of money for others. What does "green" have to do with our homes? In essence, green building-or sustainable building-means being smart about how we use energy, water, and building materials so that we can live well without needlessly damaging the environment. Creating a good green home isn't just about conservation, about using less or saving more-although that's certainly part...

This book is a guide to the architectural styles of American houses. Highly illustrated with photographs and overlays to identify key recognition features, it covers a variety of architectural styles from colonial to modern America. In a section by section treatment, The Houses We Live In details how the various styles were developed, its originators and proponents, the main dates when the style was popular, and the main houses and regions that saw...

The Big Book of Small House Designs is a collection of more than 500 drawings illustrating all aspects of 75 small homes of various styles, from a New England farmhouse to a sophisticated steel frame to a Santa Fe ranch. Each design includes detailed floor plans, section drawings, elevations, and perspectives, as well as a description of the materials used and landscaping around the home. Keeping in mind that a chief priority for a small home is often...

As our personal and professional lives become more demanding and hectic, people have reacted with a more casual, relaxed, and open way of living at home. Kitchens are no longer just for cooking but serve as entertainment hubs; barbeques on the grill have replaced formal dinners. As our lives at home have become increasingly informal, the "barefoot living" lifestyle has emerged and there is increased demand to carry this attitude over into home design....

Decks are a big job, and this guide can help readers get started, understand building codes, and figure out location. It also shows how to design, build, accessorize, repair, and maintain decks, with expert tips on how to customize plans. 75 projects. 600 photos. 30 illustrations.

For the typical American homeowner, Great Houses on a Budget presents case studies from across the country that achieve high style at an affordable cost. Most homeowners can only fantasize about owning and living in beautiful dream homes designed by top architects -- houses that are well beyond the reach of average consumers. This splendidly illustrated volume promises to provide a reality check by presenting beautifully designed houses by the same...